Arsenal fell 1-0 at the Etihad against Manchester City in a match that showed the continued improvement of Mikel Arteta’s side on the defensive side of the ball. Despite missing Kevin DeBruyne through injury, Pep Guardiola rolled out a typically strong side to face the Gunners, with Rihad Mahrez continuing his excellent form on the right side of the attack. Mahrez’s impressive display was rewarded in the first half after his excellent cross-field pass found Phil Foden in space, who fired a crisp shot that Bernd Leno could only parry into the path of a wide open Raheem Sterling, who finished coolly to put City up 1-0. That would be all Manchester City needed as Arsenal struggled for offensive creativity against a side who had been in woeful defensive form.
While Arsenal’s ridiculously awful record away against big six opposition continued, there were still plenty of positives to take away from this performance. Going to the Etihad has generally meant being run off the pitch, with the Gunners losing 3-0 here as recently as June. Clearly the defensive gameplan that Arteta has worked so hard to deploy in his first season in charge is starting to bear fruit, as Arsenal were largely excellent in dealing with one of the best attacks in world football. Even after losing centerback Rob Holding to an injury in warmups, the trio of Gabriel, David Luiz, and Kieran Tierney all had terrific games in keeping the Citizens at bay. If this defensive solidity continues, Arsenal will without a doubt continue their top four challenge throughout the rest of the campaign.
Player Ratings (1 – 10)
G – Bernd Leno – 6.5
Another strong performance from Leno, who is so quick off his line in one-on-one situations. Made a handful of good saves in the few instances that Arsenal were carved open which helped keep the game within reach. Will be upset with himself, however, that his save of Foden’s shot was parried centrally leading to Sterling’s goal.
DF – David Luiz – 6.5
Was thrown into the action at the last minute after Holding was injured during warmups and acquitted himself quite well. Came close to scoring an own goal on a scuffed clearance, but besides that had a very assured performance. Played a few excellent long balls as well.
DF – Gabriel – 7.5
Already is Arsenal’s best central defender by far despite just joining the team last month from Lille. A colossus, he reads the game so well and is so physically imposing dealing with crosses. He is looking like an excellent buy and has clearly helped revitalize this once horrid back line.
DF – Kieran Tierney – 6
Arsenal were thrilled to have Tierney cleared to start after a Covid scare while away on International duty, but he struggled at time’s dealing with the in-form Mahrez on the left. Nevertheless, the backline is much more solid with him in it, and it is a huge positive that he will not have to miss any time to quarantine.
MF – Hector Bellerin – 5.5
The lower rating is due mostly to his positioning in the one key moment of the match. He sat far too off of Phil Foden, allowing him to get a clean shot away leading to the only goal. Bellerin will no doubt be upset with himself when he watches that play on film, but was full of energy as always and defended generally well beyond that incident.
MF – Granit Xhaka – 6
A typical Xhaka match; Did nothing glaringly wrong, but also did nothing to make himself stand out. Continues to add steel to the midfield and did his best to help contain City’s playmakers and also had a terrific block to thwart a goalscoring chance. Will be interesting to see if he maintains his place once Thomas Partey slides into the 11.
MF – Dani Ceballos – 5.5
Worked tirelessly, but couldn’t find the end product to unlock a vulnerable City defense. After failing to buy a creative midfielder, Arsenal need Ceballos to utilize his passing vision in the final third more often. That said, he remains their best creative central midfielder at the moment.
MF – Bukayo Saka – 8
Arsenal’s man of the match. The 19 year old England international is simply in tremendous form, and that continued today on the big stage. Shifting between left wing back and central midfield, Saka was all over both sides of the pitch. Had two excellent shots that forced terrific saves from Ederson, and used his creativity to find space and play his teammates into good areas. On this evidence, giving him a run more centrally in the midfield might not be a bad idea.
FW – Nicolas Pepe – 6
It was good to see Pepe handed the start in this one after an excellent display last time out against Sheffield. Didn’t see as much of the ball as he usually does, but ran well at City when he did. Worked tirelessly to help press defenders, but could only head straight at Ederson when one big chance came his way.
FW – Willian – 4.5
This rating is perhaps a bit harsh, but Arteta’s experiment of trying Willian as a false 9 of sorts simply did not work. The Brazilian started off his Arsenal career with a brilliant performance against Fulham, but has been largely pedestrian since, and that continued today. Struggled to find space and allowed himself to get sucked in too deep into the midfield as a result. Starting Aubameyang through the middle would have been the smarter move.
FW – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6.5
He is so electrifyingly fast. Didn’t get as much service as he would like, but when he did he was a constant threat to City’s backline. Had the best chance of the game, firing straight at Ederson on a play that was incorrectly ruled offside. You’d have wagered on him to finish the chance, and it’s a shame he didn’t as VAR surely would’ve awarded the goal.
Substitutes
FW – Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Came on for Willian with Arsenal chasing an equalizer, but never found the service he needed. Worked hard in his 20 minutes.
MF – Thomas Partey – NR
Was only given 10 minutes or so on his Arsenal debut, but it was nice to see the marquee signing out on the pitch.
FW – Eddie Nketiah – NR
Came on with Partey, but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
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